The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to shut down several major landfills that have exceeded their operational capacity, as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance waste management and promote environmental sustainability throughout the state.
Speaking after a strategic meeting with chairmen of all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas on Wednesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that the decommissioning exercise forms a critical component of the administration’s vision to create a cleaner and flood-resistant Lagos through enhanced cooperation between state and local government authorities.
According to Wahab, who made the disclosure via his official X platform account, facilities such as the Olusosun and Solous 3 landfills will be taken out of service due to their diminished functionality, while operational sites like the Epe landfill will continue to receive necessary support to maintain efficiency.
The high-level meeting, convened at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, brought together key government officials including the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Roberts, and the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin. Also present were the Special Adviser on the Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, alongside Permanent Secretaries and agency heads.
During the session, discussions centered on strengthening partnerships with local councils to tackle flooding challenges and environmental violations at the community level. Wahab underscored that effective environmental management must begin from the grassroots, noting that collective action is essential to transform waste from a burden into a valuable resource while building a cleaner, flood-free Lagos.
The commissioner stressed that local government authorities must take active responsibility in ensuring efficient waste collection, conducting community awareness campaigns, and enforcing regulations against illegal waste disposal practices.
He further reminded council chairmen that the prohibition on street trading remains fully operational and cautioned that environmental infractions must be met with firm action.
Wahab pointed out that while the state government continues to invest in robust drainage systems and flood control infrastructure, local governments must demonstrate equal commitment within their respective jurisdictions. He emphasized that environmental sustainability demands collective responsibility and seamless collaboration across all levels of government.
The commissioner affirmed that although the state government will maintain its leadership role in driving environmental reforms, meaningful progress can only be achieved through coordinated efforts among all tiers of government working in unison.
Protest rocks Lagos over hunger, demolitions
Hundreds of residents on Friday staged a demonstration in Lagos, marching from Ikeja Bridge to Alausa Secretariat to express their...
